Cost of Replacing a Lost Car Key

It is crucial to understand the cost involved when you lose your car key. You can get a copy of a standard car key at any hardware store, but a smart key may require you to visit a dealer or locksmith.

There are ways to save money if your device is damaged but doesn't require reprogramming.

1. Key Type

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from the most unlikely places. They can be hard to locate, no matter if they fall out of your pocket while shopping, end up stuck between the sofa cushions or fall into a crack in the back of your car. In the past, you could simply visit your local auto locksmith or hardware store to get a replacement.

Today however, it can be quite costly in the case of a vehicle with advanced technology, like key fob technology or push-to-start. The key fobs or remote transmitters that work with these systems are tiny electronic devices that are packed with circuitry that can cause them to be expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

This is the reason you should think about purchasing the replacement of your key fob insurance plan, which covers up to $400 for each lost or stolen key. These plans usually cost less than total replacement costs and include unlimited lost or stolen key replacements along with additional benefits like towing insurance and roadside assistance, among others.

The type of key you have can also affect the price and some keys are more expensive to replace than others. Basic metal keys without keys with a fob for instance, are relatively cheap, as they're mechanical, and can be replaced by an experienced locksmith or mechanic. If your keys have a transponder, you'll need an equipment that is specifically designed to duplicate it. These machines are only available from car dealerships or manufacturers and are a significant factor in the cost.

Laser cut keys can increase the cost of the replacement key for a car, as they are thicker. They are made from metal that is molded to a particular shape, and then cut with lasers that are precise to ensure a perfect fit.

2. Key Fob

In the past, losing your car keys was a problem. You could purchase keys replacements from a locksmith or car dealership and it was inexpensive to purchase one. However as automobiles have evolved in terms of technology, so too have their keys, which means replacing a lost key could be much more expensive than it was in the past.

Key fobs became popular during the 1990s as an additional feature to allow car owners to lock and unlock their vehicle without the need for a physical key. These small plastic fobs have the button that when hit by the user signals the onboard computer to lock or unlock the vehicle. Some are equipped with buttons that activate the vehicle's security system or open the trunk.

A locksmith for cars can cut a traditional key without a remote at a small charge. It's the same as those produced prior to 1990. Some locksmiths will even replace a lost fob while you wait.

Fobs that have transponders or another computer chip may be more expensive to replace than conventional ones. Reprogramming and pairing them could cost as much as $200 and are only available through the original car dealer.

Many companies that deal with cars, including auto repair shops, car dealerships and salvage yards may end up with quite a few spare fobs that aren't attached to a specific vehicle. Some of them can be offered to consumers, however some require special equipment and technical knowledge to make use of, something that's readily available to the common consumer. This is why it's always recommended to keep a spare car key in your pocket or purse and add the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy to make it even more convenient should you require it.

3. Laser Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys have ridges that are deeper, unlike traditional mechanical keys. This makes them harder for car thieves to steal.

Key blades feature two slits which allow the key to be inserted into the ignition cylinder as well as the door G28Carkeys lock from either side. They are the most commonly used kind of car keys that are available in the present. They are more popular than key fobs, because they provide greater security and convenience.

It is essential that the shop cutting the keys is equipped with the correct equipment. You'll end with an unusable key that doesn't perform as expected if you don't. You must also think about the quality of the knife, as a low-quality one can harm your key cutting device or even cause it to crack inside the ignition cylinder.

To cut a laser-cut key locksmiths need to have your vehicle identification number (VIN). Once they have your VIN, they can run the information through a computer in order to determine the specifications of your vehicle. They then utilize an CNC machine to cut the key in accordance with these specifications.

They are usually only available through dealers. However, they are less expensive than traditional key fobs, and have the added bonus of being extremely difficult to duplicate.

For an all-in-one key that is laser-cut you'll probably have to pay between $150 and $250 in labor costs. These keys need to be programmed by the dealer. But, they are one of the most secure and practical keys for cars on the market today.

4. Switchblade Keys

Many modern cars utilize key fobs to lock and unlock the doors, as well as turn on the engine. These aren't mechanical keys that are easily duplicated by locksmiths or key cutters. Instead, they feature transponder chip technology integrated into. This chip must be paired by an auto locksmith or dealer to the vehicle. The fobs are typically more expensive, ranging between $50-$100 for the basic version to $200 for models that have push-to-start functions.

Fobs that feature a "switchblade" key, which folds in on itself when not being used, are usually more expensive to replace. These keys have shanks which retract into the fob and are released when required. They are generally more secure than traditional keys, which makes them a great deterrent to thieves and are a good alternative for those who need an extra car key for valet use. The cost of changing these keys ranges anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the car and the kind of key.

Unlike the old crank key, which was complex, heavy, and dangerous to handle keys that are electronic are lightweight and more convenient. These car keys are also much harder to steal as they are cylindrical, a feature that can prevent the use of key duplicate devices that are used by criminals to create illegal copies of your car's key.

These electronic keys can open doors and start engines without having to take them out of their pockets. These keys are expensive to replace and will require an excursion to the dealer, which may include a towing cost.

5. Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are different from mechanical keys in that they are equipped with the chip that sends a radio-frequency signal to the vehicle when the key is inserted in the ignition. The computer system in the vehicle reads the signal to determine if the serial number matches the one on the key. If it does the serial number, the vehicle will let keys to unlock the doors and start the engine. The concept behind this is to prevent car theft by making it harder to hot wire a car and then start the engine.

Theoretically it's possible that this technology will work however, g28carkeys smart car thieves constantly find ways to defeat it. The chips inside these keys are also not as durable as people like to think. They are able to be easily washed out, which could result in the key not functioning.

The cost of replacing transponder keys can be costly. The key blank can cost as much as $50 and then you have the cost of programming it. This requires an exclusive machine that is only available at dealerships for cars.

It is therefore best to hire a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to program transponder keys. It is also an excellent idea to have all of your vehicle's information ready, including the year, make and model. This will help ensure that the right key blank is used, which could save you money in the end. Locksmiths can usually program the new transponder key for around $150, but it may cost as much as $180 for cars that are equipped with key fobs or remote transmitters. These keys require a specific programming service that can be performed only by a licensed locksmith.